Backing plates for Wilwood disc conversion

Discussion in 'The whoa and the sway.' started by Cutlass, Jan 18, 2020.

  1. Cutlass

    Cutlass Platinum Level Contributor

  2. Bens99gtp

    Bens99gtp Well-Known Member

    I wouldn't worry about it, depending on which spindles you have you may need to drill and tap the upper hole for the caliper bracket.............those parts are not included, I just bought a smaller bolt with the same head rather than spending the money for a special tap. No issues so far
     
  3. Cutlass

    Cutlass Platinum Level Contributor

    Thanks Ben,
    just finished drilling and tapping. I got an extra set of spindles for the conversion. The hardest part was to get the 5/8 UNF tap here in Germany. had to wait about three weeks for it. No way here to get the bolts you refer to.
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    Nobody else experience with backing plates; or the lack of them :) ?
     
  4. Golden Oldie 65

    Golden Oldie 65 Well-Known Member

    I have 4 wheel discs on my `65 Skylark. I had already had factory front disc conversion on the car before I went 4 wheel so I already had backing plates on the front. The rears, of course, do not have backing plates and I see no reason to worry about it, probably no reason for you to worry about not having them on the front, either. They're basically just a stone shield so unless you live on a gravel road...………..
     
  5. Bens99gtp

    Bens99gtp Well-Known Member

    Really you could not find a 1/2-20 x1.25" long, flat, socket cap, 90* counter sunk bolt. I really dont know why wilwood just doesn't include both with the kit.

    Yeah it sit down a touch, but it grabs plenty of the bracket
     

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  6. Cutlass

    Cutlass Platinum Level Contributor

    Well, I did not find a source here in Germany for this kind of bolts, considering the approbriate grade. Having them shipped from US would have been more expensive than getting the tap from a source in Germany. An additional set of spindles was on my list anyway, as I want to keep the drum brake package complete (yeah I know, I am a hoarder).
    Technically I would have trusted your idea as well. 1/2" bolt is sufficient also.
     
  7. Bens99gtp

    Bens99gtp Well-Known Member

    Guess I really didn't think well, but maybe the supply of our normal thread pitches isn't very plentiful over there. Still wilwood should fix this issue and either supply 2 sets of bolts, or the parts needed to swap this over, there has to be many ppl that have run into this exact issue
     
  8. BrunoD

    BrunoD Looking for Fast Eddie

    If you need backing plates,actually I have the all thing to change to discs from a 87 GN if that works for you.I do have at least one backing plate from a 70 GS,don't know if I have the other side,I might.Bruno.
     
  9. Cutlass

    Cutlass Platinum Level Contributor

    It was the combination UNF along with the shape of the head. I agree, the Wilwood should throw 4 more bolts into the kit. It was not a big deal for me, as I have the proper equipment and the skills. I can imagine however that some people are surprised when trying to pull the conversion thru within 2 hours at the curbside without reading the manual first.
    @ Bruno, thanks but I do not think that stock backing plates would fit.
     
  10. BrunoD

    BrunoD Looking for Fast Eddie

    No problem.Hope all turns out well for you with very few problems.Bruno.
     

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